Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Today kicks off National Eating Disorders Week. Some facts about eating disorders:

• Up to 24 million people in the US suffer from some sort of eating disorder
• Only 1 in 10 people with an eating disorder receive treatment
• Almost half of people with an eating disorder also meet the criteria for depression
• Anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents
• Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness
• One key thing to note- only 5% of females naturally have the body shape most frequently portrayed in advertising and the media

If you know of someone who is struggling with their eating or exercising or have concerns about your own habits, please get help! You can always talk with one of your school counselors, contact our Student Assistance Program (515-244-6090), or find out more information at Iowa's Eating Disorder Coalition (www.edciowa.org).

Students participate in Visit the Hill 2012!

A few of our high school students were selected to participate in Visit the Hill 2012. Visit the Hill is an opportunity for students to meet with legislators and learn more about issues specifically surrounding school counseling, college counseling, and college funding. Students spent the morning learning about funding levels, current legislation, and advocacy skills. They were also able to have lunch with Lt. Governor Reynolds before heading to the state capital.

We were able to meet with Representative Garrett and talk with him about the importance of having school counselors. One of the current proposed bills would allow schools not to have a school counselor. Our kids did a great job of explaining what it is that we do for them!

If you would like to voice your opinion, please write or call your legislators.

Parenting Practices and Tips to Help Your Child Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

One final resource tonight, but a good one. If you get a moment to read about some ways you can help your child avoid drugs and alcohol as they grow, please do so. A little bit of a long read, but some really good stuff. You might even just print it off and read it when you get some downtime and keep it for later to review or even discuss it with your child. Lots of good, basic parenting tips in there that many parents are already doing, but good to hear you are doing the right thing and likely still a tip or two that we can all learn from. Take a look!


Click here for 6 Parenting Practices to help reduce the chances your child will develop a drug or alcohol problem

Quick Q&A on K2 and Bath Salts

  Ran across these Q&A blog posts from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America blog. Good, quick information. Please visit their blog (Click here!) or follow their blog to stay up to date on the latest information and battles to keep our teens and even adults drug-free!

K2 – Spice

What are the street names/slang terms?

The most common names for synthetic marijuana are K2 and Spice, but it is also sold as Bliss, Black Mamba, Bombay Blue, Blaze, Genie, Spice, Zohai, JWH -018, -073, -250, Yucatan Fire, Skunk and Moon Rocks.

What is synthetic marijuana?

K2 or Spice is a mixture of herbs, spices or shredded plant material that is typically sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

What does it look like?

K2 is typically sold in small, silvery plastic bags of dried leaves and marketed as incense that can be smoked. It is said to resemble potpourri.

How is it used?

K2 products are usually smoked in joints or pipes, but some users make it into a tea.

What are its short term effects?

Short term effects include loss of control, lack of pain response, increased agitation, pale skin, seizures, vomiting, profuse sweating, uncontrolled / spastic body movements, elevated blood pressure, heart rate and palpitations. The onset of this drug is 3-5 minutes, and the duration of the high is 1-8 hours.
In addition to physical signs of use, users may experience: dysphoria, severe paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and increased agitation.

What are its long term effects?

Unknown

What is its federal classification?

On March 1, 2011, DEA published a final order in the Federal Register temporarily placing five synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the CSA. As a result of this order, the full effect of the CSA and its implementing regulations including criminal, civil and administrative penalties, sanctions, and regulatory controls of Schedule I substances will be imposed on the manufacture, distribution, possession, importation and exportation of these synthetic cannabinoids.

Source: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Institute on Drug Abuse, American Association of Poison Control Centers

Bath Salts

What are the street names/slang terms?

Bath Salts are sold under a number of different “brand” names, and as different products, such as plant feeder or insect repellent. Brand names include: Bliss, Blue Silk, Cloud Nine, Drone, Energy-1, Ivory Wave, Lunar Wave, Meow Meow, Ocean Burst, Pure Ivory, Purple Wave, Red Dove, Snow Leopard, Stardust, Vanilla Sky, White Dove, White Knight, and White Lightning.

What arebath salts?

Bath Salts are substituted cathinones, which are synthetic, concentrated versions of the stimulant chemical in Khat. Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), mephedrone and methylone are the chemicals most often found in Bath Salts.

What does it look like?

Bath Salt products are sold in powder form in small plastic or foil packages of 200 and 500 milligrams under various brand names. Mephedrone is a fine white, off-white or slightly yellow-colored powder. It can also be found in tablet and capsule form. MDPV is a fine white or off-white powder.

K2 is typically sold in small, silvery plastic bags of dried leaves and marketed as incense that can be smoked. It is said to resemble potpourri.

How is it used?

Bath Salts are usually ingested by sniffing/snorting. They can also be taken orally, smoked, or put into a solution and injected into veins.

What are its short term effects?

Short-term effects include very severe paranoia that can sometimes cause users to harm themselves or others. Effects reported to Poison Control Centers include suicidal thoughts, agitation, combative/violent behavior, confusion, hallucinations/psychosis, increased heart rate, hypertension, chest pain, death or serious injury. The speed of onset is 15 minutes, while the length of the high from these drugs is 4-6 hours.

What are its long term effects?

Unknown

What is its federal classification?

On October 21, 2011, DEA published a final order in the Federal Register exercising its emergency scheduling authority to control three of the synthetic stimulants that are used to make bath salts. As a result of this order, these synthetic stimulants are designated as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act.

Source: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), American Association of Poison Control Centers

Synthetic Drugs in the News, Causing Sickness and Death, and Now a Great Powerpoint to Learn More!

   The news broke this weekend that 3 students from East High School were taken to the hospital due to "poisoning" and supposedly got "poisoned" by smoking a synthetic drug called K2/Spice. Click here to read the story. Synthetic drugs like K2, Spice, and Bath Salts are some scary stuff. Kids can get their hands on them fairly easy, each time a kid tries them the affects can be different, and the products are not technically meant to be consumed or smoked to begin with. And the stories I have heard from medical professionals and other counselors make me wonder if these synthetic drugs aren't the worst drug out there affecting our teens. But the good news is that their is information out there to help us learn more. A great resource to start with is this powerpoint. Please click through this powerpoint and educate yourself and your child about the dangers or these "seemingly harmless" drugs. They are not harmless....they are dangerous and possibly deadly

Parents360 Synthetic Drugs (Bath Salts & K2 / Spice)

View more webinars from The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Parent Volunteers Needed for JA Biztown Trip!

6th Grade parents, we are in need of about 10 more volunteers for EACH day of our field trip to JA Biztown. This trip is very interactive and a great experience not just for the kids, but for the adults too. I am amazed each year watching the kids work and live like adults for several hours during the day. They really impress me. I would love to include as many parents as possible. Some of you have already jumped at the chance, but like I said, I still need about 20 more total volunteers. Please email me at ben.barry@carlisle.k12.ia.us if you can help us out on our trip. Here are the basic requirements:

*1 training session for 90 minutes around the lunch hour or end of the workday on a day TBD in March.

*Attendance with us on the field trip from 8:30-2:30 on either March 29th or March 30th. You would go the same day as your child.

*Be ready to work a little and have a lot of fun!! :)

It truly is a great experience, one that some parents have even volunteered during years where they don't have a child going on the trip. Out of my current 9 volunteers, 3 of them have been on the trip before, so it must be a good time. Email me if interested. I am trying to get all volunteers in place by March 1st this year so that I can start sending them information about our trip. Thank you!

8th Grade Orientation and Middle School Conferences coming up!

Parents....just a heads up on some "parent/student" events coming up in the next 3 weeks!!

Thursday, Feb. 23rd from 6-8 p.m.: 9th Grade Orientation night at the high school for 8th graders and their parents who have a last name that starts with the letters A-K. The first 30 minutes are an Activities Fair featuring all of the activities that high school has to offer outside of the daily curriculum. The presentation will start at 6:30 and the night will finish with a sit down meeting and work session with your child's high school advisor for the next 4 years.

Monday, Feb. 27th from 6-8 p.m.: 9th grade orientation again at the high school, but this time for 8th graders and their parents if their last name is between L-Z.

Thursday, March 1st from 4-8 p.m.: Parent/Teacher conferences at the middle school for all middle school students and parents/guardians. Please attend....this is a great time to touch base with a teacher(s) or class where your child has struggled or may need extra support. Or maybe just to hear lots of praise!

Monday, March 5th from 4-8 p.m.: Parent/Teacher conferences night #2! If you missed the March 1st night, come on this night. We would love to have everyone attend!

Wow...busy 2-3 weeks. Hope we see lots of parents at these events. Spring Break is near.... :)

Some Alarming Marijuana Facts

Michael Wenger, who heads up Warren County's STOP (Warren County Standing Together on Prevention) coalition that tries to combat drug use and abuse in Warren County just sent out some pretty alarming facts about marijuana use in Iowa and around our country. I have copy and pasted it below. If you want to follow this great group made up of Warren County residents, they have a facebook page: CLICK HERE!

Marijuana Facts:

Iowa Facts

Marijuana is the most used illicit drug by Iowa teens. 26% of Iowa 11th graders say they’ve used marijuana. [Iowa Youth Survey, 2010]

Marijuana is the most common form of substance abuse among Iowa youth and adults. Over two-thirds (65%) of Iowa juveniles and nearly one-fourth (22%) of Iowa adults in treatment say marijuana is their primary substance of abuse. [Iowa Department of Public Health, 2011]

Marijuana is already perceived as accessible to many young Iowans. 50% of 11th graders say it would be easy or very easy for kids their age to get marijuana in their neighborhood or community. [Iowa Youth Survey, 2010]

Marijuana is, by far, the most common illicit substance detected in workplace drug tests. During the most recent seven year period for which reports are available, 7,391 Iowa employees tested positive for marijuana, or 59.6% of all positive workplace drug test results. [Iowa Department of Public Health, 2008]

Marijuana is often used by methamphetamine users in Iowa. Many of the same criminal groups that smuggle meth into the State also bring and sell marijuana, and when conducting meth investigations Iowa law enforcement officers frequently find marijuana present too. [Iowa Department of Public Safety, 2010]

Marijuana does have the potential for abuse…It is a valid risk…There is a physiological dependence…When dealing with the raw marijuana, you can’t control the dose…It needs to stay a Schedule I because the product can’t be delivered in exactly the same way every time…If I had small children, I wouldn’t want them exposed to someone who is smoking it…There are abuses of marijuana in the states that have “medical marijuana” programs…Over 30% of the written comments we received were just people wanting to smoke pot. [Sampling of concerns voiced by Iowa Board of Pharmacy members on February 17, 2010]

U.S. Facts

The Institute of Medicine concluded that smoking marijuana is not recommended for any long-term medical use, and a subsequent IOM report declared, “marijuana is not modern medicine.”

The federal agency responsible for approving drugs as safe and effective issued an advisory stating it has NOT approved smoked marijuana for any medical condition or disease indication. It noted “there is currently sound evidence that smoked marijuana is harmful.”

According to the Food and Drug Administration, voter measures on “medical marijuana” are inconsistent with efforts to ensure medications undergo the rigorous scientific scrutiny of the FDA approval process and are proven safe and effective under standards of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

A synthetic version of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, already is approved by the FDA and legally available in pill form as Marinol, for use in amounts as prescribed by physicians whose patients suffer from pain and chronic illness.

Clinical trials on a mouth spray—called Sativex—containing THC and cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, have been completed and results are under review by the FDA. This formulation and delivery system may enhance pain relief, minimize unwanted side effects and regulate how THC enters the bloodstream.

The 2009 National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) shows past-month marijuana use among 12-17 year olds rose 9% vs. 2008, coinciding with a softening of youth attitudes about marijuana risks. The 2006-2007 NSDUH State Estimates of Substance Use show perception of risk for smoking marijuana once a month among 12-17 year olds is lowest in 13 states with “medical marijuana” laws. Similarly, 10 of the 15 states with the highest percentage of past month teen marijuana users are states with “medical marijuana” laws. [White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2010/Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 2009]

The 2010 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study shows past year marijuana use rose 22% from the year before. This coincides with negative shifts in teen attitudes, particularly a growing belief in the acceptability of drug use. The study shows more teens—52%—agree “being high feels good,” more—71%—say “kids use alcohol because it is fun,” and fewer teens—30%—agree strongly they “don’t want to hang around drug users.” [The Partnership at Drugfree.org, 2011]

Marijuana smokers can have many of the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers. Workplace studies associate workers’ marijuana smoking with 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries, a 75% increase in absenteeism, more tardiness, more workers comp claims, and higher job turnover compared to non-smokers. [National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2009]

Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction. When trying to quit, long-term marijuana abusers report irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which make quitting difficult. [National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2009]

Marijuana legalization, for any purpose, remains a non-starter in the Obama Administration. [White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2009]

Marijuana seized now is more potent than marijuana of the 1960s and 1970s. THC levels of tested marijuana samples increased 103% from 1998 to 2008. This increase in potency makes marijuana a much more dangerous drug that can cause a host of physical and psychological problems, including addiction. [White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2010]

"Girls in Science" Event at the Science Center

As a former science teacher, I really, really like science. And I watch my wife excel everyday as a physician's assistant, once thought to be a "man's job". But the world is changing and more and more women are getting involved in science careers. Schools are changing too and encouraging girls to take more science classes. Now the Science Center is getting involved by hosting a "Girls in Science" event at the Des Moines Science Center. Here are the details of the event, but you can also click on this link to see the same details and explore this opportunity more.

Click here to learn more!

So, if you have a daughter who is even remotely interested in science, please consider this great opportunity. It might really inspire her and let her meet and hear about many great women in science and maybe even become a great "woman of science" someday as well!

Details:

Girls in Science

Through our new Girls in Science Initiative, the Science Center of Iowa aims to empower and equip girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in order to promote girls’ early engagement in STEM, encourage pursuit of these careers and develop a diverse workforce for the 21st century.

The Girls in Science series will include informal learning opportunities to meet successful women scientists and learn about careers in STEM fields.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Girls In Science Event
Saturday, February 18 – 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Join us as we explore the many careers and opportunities for girls in science, technology, engineering and math and celebrate the many women scientists in our own community! Programming is targeted for girls ages 7-14, but all are welcome. Event is free with SCI admission.

Schedule of Events:

• 11:00 am - 4:00 pm – Girls in Science "Fair"
  Learn about careers in STEM as we showcase local organizations and women scientists
• 11:00 am – Presentations from local women in science
  -Ann Staudt - Iowa State University Chemical Engineering/Enviromental
  -Erin Ginkens - Entrepreneurial Technologies
  -Ethnobotanist- Drake University
  -Megan Salois - WHO-HD Channel 13
  
• 1:00 pm – Keynote Presentation: Ana Tavares, joint-field director, Ancient Egypt Research Associates (AERA)
  Archaeologists piece together information about the past from clues they find in their excavations. They use a variety of techniques that range from very physical (working with a pick axe and pushing wheel barrows full of dirt) to very meticulous (drawing, photographing and recording in great detail) to very sophisticated (interpreting data, researching and writing results). But most of all, archaeology is a passionate quest for a glimpse of ancient peoples and cultures. Join Ana Tavares to learn about the career she loves!
  
• 2:00 pm – Presentations from local women in science
  -Kimi Evans - Red Rock Wildlife
  -Kim Glenn - ISU College of Engineering
  -ISU EDGE
• -IPTV

• -Gina Francis - John Deere

• The Science Center of Iowa is an official SciGirls® museum. Based on the best practices in STEM education for girls,SciGirls’ videos, online resources, hands-on activities and professional development work together to address a singular but powerful goal: to inspire, enable and maximize STEM learning and participation for all girls, encouraging greater interest in these careers.

  SciGirls is produced for PBS by National Productions and is made possible by the National Science Foundation. Additional support by ExxonMobil.

Doodle for Google Contest Getting Science Center Publicity!

For the last week or so, I have been talking to students about seeing if they want to enter the Doodle for Google contest and now today I just received an email saying that the Science Center is working with kids to help them enter and learn more about it. We had 2 great entries last year, but they did not win. Google has added more prizes and winners this year, so maybe we will have a winner this year from our school. Here are some links where you can learn more.

Science Center's information about the contest click here!

Science Center is hosting a "Doodle Event" for kids on Feb. 25th from 12-4 p.m. Kids can come to learn more, hear from local artists, and practice their ideas. Cool!! Click here for calendar of event

Doodle for Google homepage with all the information, application/entry form to print out, and past winners. Click here!

Your child doesn't have to be great at art or be an "artist-in-training", just a willingness to try and to think of the possibility. Students can see me for details.

Benefit for Local Family on February 25th!

Noah Ransom a 7^th grade student’s father has been diagnosed with cancer. There will be a benefit for him and his family on February 25 at the Carlisle Methodist Family Life Center from 5:00 to 8:00. They will be serving food from Back Alley Smokehouse and desert from Fiss. The cost is $5 at the door. There will be a silent auction and raffle as well. This is a great opportunity as a community to enjoy a nice evening together and support one of our own families who needs our help and support. Please put this on your calendar and try to make it out for a great meal and/or the auction and raffles. Thank you!

Snack and Study Returns this Thursday!

Attention 6th graders (or parents of 6th graders)!! Snack and Study sessions will be starting up this Thursday, February 16th. So what is Snack and Study? Well, Snack and Study are after school sessions every Thursday in Mr. Barry's Life Skills room with Mr. Barry. Students who may be struggling in a class, behind in their work, getting low grades, or simply want to do their homework after school and enjoy a snack while they work. Mr. Barry will be available to help students and will work with them to better help them understand their work and their overall grades. No sign up or applications to this group needed, just show up if you want a snack and want some study help. Study session will run from 3:10-3:45 p.m. each Thursday and students can either catch the late bus or get picked up by parents. There is no cost for this group, each student will get a snack and a drink each Thursday. Hopefully, lots of students can make it!

Just used a website called "Tagxedo" to create an image of the most commonly used words on our district counseling blog. The bigger the size of the word, the more often we used the word in our blog. So take a look at the image below to see what this blog is about! (Hint...it appears to be about students, education, school, parents, bullying, and education!)

This Week is National School Counselor's Week!

SCHOOL COUNSELORS CELEBRATE DURING NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK, FEBRUARY 6TH– 10TH

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from February 6th– 10th, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

School counselors are actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; work in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world; focus on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal,

educational, and career development; and work with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic, and optimistic aspirations for themselves. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced

educators with a master's degree in guidance and counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.

Carlisle Community School District has a strong team of professional school counselors who work with students every day. The counselors host many events throughout the school year, including: College Planning Night, Financial Aid Night, Smart Discipline Parenting Seminar, Mad About Money Theater night, Education Expo, Resource Fair, Career Day, Character Education, Junior Achievement Biz Town Curriculum and Field Trip, Operation Backpack, and Big Cats Little Cats Mentoring Program.

Be sure to thank the counselors for all the work they do with our students!

Elementary Counselors: Rhonda Ray and Julie Nation

Hartford and Middle School Counselor: Kim Flagor Fuller

Middle School Counselor: Ben Barry

High School Counselors: Leah Heidemann and Traci Le

Iowa State Star Basketball Player has Anxiety Disorder

I admit it, I'm an Iowa State fan. I graduated from UNI and Drake, so I like them too. And yes, I even like the Iowa Hawkeyes. But nothing gets me more excited than Iowa State basketball. And when they play well like they are doing this year, I enjoy it even more. This year, they are led by a transfer named Royce White. His story is very interesting and is a story of redemption, struggles, and overcoming many obstacles. And from all reports from fans, Iowa State staff, and family, he has been nothing but a role model since he has been at Iowa State. And as he has become more famous across the country due to his performances, the national media have dug into his backstory and learned another interesting piece about Royce: He has an anxiety disorder. This explains why such a good player can't seem to even hit the rim when he shoots free throws!! Turns out, he has had this disorder since he was young and he has to work and focus everyday just to make it through the day. As a person who struggles with anxiety myself, I can relate to his story to some extent. But I have also worked with students and known adults who have to battle their own anxiety disorder every day as well. I found this story on ESPN to be very interesting and very inspiring. I plan on sharing it with students this next week in hopes that they might be inspired as well. I hope he continues to succeed and bring more attention to his disorder and how anyone can achieve, no matter what obstacles stand in their way. Good luck, Royce!

Royce White article from ESPN

Royce White article from Washington Post

8th Grade Orientation Night Coming Up!!

Parents, just a reminder that our 8th grade High School Orientation Night is coming up this month. If your child's last name starts with the letter A through K, you and your child need to come to the high school on the night of February 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m. And if your child's last name starts with the letter L through Z, you and your child need to come to the high school from 6 to 8 p.m. on the night of Feb. 27th. We will have an Activity Fair from 6 to 6:30 that night where students can find out all sorts of information on every activity, sport, club, etc. that the high school has to offer. At 6:30, our high school counselors will lead a presentation that should help you learn a lot more about the high school experience. Finally, from about 7:10 to 8:00 p.m., you and your child will get to meet your advisor and get to review the student's 4-year plan that they are currently creating. This will be a great time to get more advice and to learn more about high school and what courses might be best for your child's future beyond high school. The final step will take place in March where students will actually register for their 9th grade courses. Sure they still have to complete 3 more months of school after this month, but by the end of this month they should be a lot more ready for high school than they are now. And hopefully you will be more ready too!

Email or call me if you have questions!